Patent Application
20240240797
This application claims priority to German Patent Application No. DE102023100845.5, entitled “Kitchen and/or Gastronomic Appliance” and filed on Jan. 16, 2023, which is expressly incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
The invention relates to a kitchen and/or gastronomic appliance, in particular a cooking appliance.
The object of the present invention is that of specifying a kitchen and/or gastronomic appliance which can be cleaned in a user-friendly and reliable manner, combined with simple production and low-maintenance operation.
The object is achieved by the features of the independent claim. The dependent claims relate to preferred embodiments of the invention.
The invention discloses a kitchen and/or gastronomic appliance. The appliance is configured in particular for commercial use in gastronomy, or for domestic use in a kitchen. The appliance is preferably a cooking appliance. For example, the appliance is configured as a combi steamer. Alternatively, the appliance can be configured for example as a warming oven or baking oven.
The kitchen and/or gastronomic appliance comprises a food chamber for treating and/or storing food. Particularly preferably, the appliance comprises a housing, wherein the food chamber is arranged inside the housing. If the appliance is configured as a cooking appliance, the food chamber can also be referred to as a cooking chamber. Preferably a heating/circulating air unit is located in or on the food chamber, which unit makes it possible to heat the food chamber and/or to apply circulating air thereto. In particular, steam can also be generated by means of the heating/circulating air unit, in order to treat the food in the food chamber by means of the steam.
Furthermore, the kitchen and/or gastronomic appliance comprises a collecting container for storing a liquid washing liquor. The collecting container is preferably located under the food chamber. Particularly preferably a return line is provided, which makes it possible to guide the washing liquor out of the food chamber and back into the container. The return line can be configured as a drainage channel which leads from the food chamber into the collecting container.
The collecting container is connected to the food chamber via a washing liquor line. Said washing liquor line for is configured and arranged for conducting the washing liquor out of the collecting container into the food chamber. Particularly preferably, a washing liquor pump is provided, which conveys the washing liquor through the washing liquor line into the food chamber. In particular, the kitchen and/or gastronomic appliance is configured to distribute the washing liquor in the food chamber on the walls of the food chamber, in order to thereby clean the food chamber. The washing liquor flows together on the base of the food chamber, and can be guided back into the collecting container via the described return line.
In order to produce the washing liquor, fresh water is enriched with an additive. This additive can for example be a cleaner or a descaler or rinse aid. Within the context of the invention, it is provided that the additive is not fluid at room temperature, but rather is solid and is located in a container. A “solid” additive is preferably also understood to mean a “gel-like” additive. Additives for a plurality of cleaning processes are stored in the container, such that always only some of the additive has to be dissolved out of the container.
The kitchen and/or gastronomic appliance comprises at least one solids unit. The individual solids unit comprises at least one receptacle for insertion of the described container, which is filled with solid additive. Furthermore, the solids unit comprises a supply line which leads to the receptacle. The supply line is configured for feeding a fluid, which dissolves the additive.
Furthermore, the individual solids unit comprises a discharge line which leads from the receptacle in the direction of the collecting container. The discharge line is configured for removing the fluid, together with the dissolved additive. The discharge line preferably leads into the collecting container; however, the discharge line can also lead into another line, which then in turn leads to the collecting container.
In principle, the kitchen and/or gastronomic appliance comprises at least one of said described solids unit. As a result, the washing liquor can be enriched with at least one additive, for example cleaner. However, it is particularly preferably provided that the cleaning of the food chamber takes place in succession, using two different washing liquors. In particular, firstly a washing liquor comprising the additive “cleaner” is produced and conducted (in particular circulated) through the food chamber, and thereafter a new washing liquor having the additive “descaler” or “rinse aid” is produced and conducted (in particular circulated) through the food chamber. Therefore, the kitchen and/or gastronomic appliance preferably comprises at least two of the solids units. As a result, two receptacles are also provided, into which in each case one container can be inserted, such that one container comprising cleaner and one container comprising descaler or rinse aid can be inserted.
The first receptacle preferably has a different internal geometry from the second receptacle. This makes it possible—in the case of a corresponding design of the outside contour of different containers—for only the matching container to be able to be plugged into the respective receptacle. This prevents, for example, the container having the descaler/rinse aid from being plugged into the receptacle for the cleaner.
The receptacle, in particular the first receptacle and/or the second receptacle, is/are in particular configured for plugging in, and not for screwing in, of the respective container. In an alternative embodiment, however, the container can also be screwed in by means of threads or a bayonet connection.
The kitchen and/or gastronomic appliance comprises at least one supply line pump for pumping the fluid through the at least one supply line. As will be described in detail, when two solids units are used, two individual supply line pumps or one common supply line pump can be used. By means of the at least one supply line pump, a fluid is conveyed through the supply line as far as the receptacle. This is preferably the washing liquor from the collecting container. In addition, or alternatively, it is also provided that fresh water is pumped to the receptacle of the solids unit by means of the supply line pump.
The “washing liquor” in the collecting container can consist, at the beginning of the cleaning process, of fresh water, but is referred to as washing liquor because it is located in the collecting container. Said fluid from the collecting container and/or additional fresh water is pumped through the respective solids unit until the required or specified amount of additive has been dissolved out of the container. Thereupon or during this process, the washing liquor can circulate through the food chamber, via the washing liquor line, in order to clean said chamber. At the end of the process, the washing liquor is let out or pumped out of the collecting container in the direction of a wastewater line. In the next step, the washing liquor comprising the second additive (e.g. descaler/rinse aid) can then be produced and circulated through the food chamber, or the cleaning process of the food chamber is ended by the circulation of pure fresh water.
As already explained, the kitchen and/or gastronomic appliance preferably comprises at least two, particularly preferably exactly two, of the solids units. If, in the context of the present document, reference is made only to the solids unit, the receptacle, the supply line or the discharge line, this always describes advantageous embodiments for both solids units or selectively only for one of the two solids units.
However, in order to distinguish the two solids units from one another in individual cases, in particular for the cleaner and for the descaler/rinse aid, the following is preferably provided:
The kitchen and/or gastronomic appliance comprises a first solids unit having a first receptacle for insertion of a container comprising solid additive, in particular cleaner, a first supply line leading to the first receptacle and intended for supplying the fluid that dissolves the additive, and a first discharge line, for removing the fluid together with dissolved additive, that leads from the first receptacle in the direction of the collecting container.
The kitchen and/or gastronomic appliance furthermore comprises a second solids unit having a second receptacle for insertion of a container comprising solid additive, in particular descaler or rinse aid, a second supply line leading to the second receptacle and intended for supplying the fluid that dissolves the additive, and a second discharge line, for removing the fluid together with dissolved additive, that leads from the second receptacle in the direction of the collecting container.
Preferably, a first supply line pump for pumping the fluid through the first supply line, and a second supply line pump for pumping the fluid through the second supply line, are provided. Alternatively thereto, the kitchen and/or gastronomic appliance can comprise a common supply line pump for pumping the fluid through the first supply line and the second supply line. As already described, the pumped fluid is preferably the washing liquor from the collecting container, and/or fresh water.
When the common supply line pump is used, it is preferably provided that said pump is configured for selectively conveying the fluid into the first supply line and into the second supply line. This can be achieved for example in that the pump has one suction connection and two pressure connections, wherein the two pressure connections lead to the first supply line and to the second supply line. In this case, the pump can be configured such that it pumps selectively into the first supply line or into the second supply line, for example by means of a changing rotation direction.
Furthermore, when the common supply line pump is used, a valve downstream of the common supply line pump can also be used, wherein the valve is configured for selectively conveying the fluid into the first supply line or into the second supply line.
In particular, it is provided that the kitchen and/or gastronomic appliance comprises a controller which actuates the pumps that are used. Should a valve downstream of the common supply line pump be used, then such a valve can also be actuable by means of the controller.
The controller is preferably configured to convey fluid either through the first solids unit or through the second solids unit, but not through the two solids units simultaneously. As a result, the washing liquor is enriched either with one additive or with the other additive.
The first discharge line and the second discharge line of the two solids units can in principle lead to the collecting container separately from one another. However, it is preferably provided that the first discharge line and the second discharge line lead into a common discharge line and that said common discharge line leads into the collecting container.
The first supply line and the second supply line can begin separately from one another at the collecting container, or can branch off, separately from one another, from the washing liquor line. In a preferred embodiment, it is provided that a common supply line branches off from the collecting container or from the washing liquor line, and that this common supply line splits into the first supply line and the second supply line.
The kitchen and/or gastronomic appliance preferably comprises at least one sensor. Said sensor is configured for determining a control variable. The control variable depends on the concentration and/or density and/or turbidity and/or conductivity and/or pH of the additive. The at least one sensor is in particular arranged such that the fluid flows therearound; either the fluid that comes from the solids unit via the discharge line, or the washing liquor which is already located in the collecting container. It is possible for a plurality of the sensors to be used, which sensors may also be located at different positions, described in more detail in the following. Alternatively, sensor-less control can also be performed, by means of which a certain concentration can be produced, e.g. via purely time-controlled activation of the pumping.
The at least one sensor is preferably connected to the described controller. The controller is preferably configured to actuate the supply line pump (in particular first supply line pump and/or second supply line pump, or the common supply line pump) depending on the control variable. Furthermore, it is also provided for the washing liquor pump to be actuable depending on the control variable.
The at least one sensor is preferably configured as a conductivity sensor, and can thus detect how well the fluid conducts electrical current. The control variable is correspondingly a conductivity or a variable dependent on the conductivity. The conductivity of the fluid changes depending on the concentration of additive in the fluid.
The sensor can be located in the washing liquor line.
In addition, or alternatively, the sensor can be located in the supply line (in particular in the first supply line and/or second supply line, or in the common supply line).
In addition, or alternatively, the sensor can be located in the discharge line (in particular in the first discharge line and/or second discharge line, or in the common discharge line).
In addition, or alternatively, the sensor can be located in a circulation line. The circulation line circulates the washing liquor, bypassing the food chamber and the solids unit(s). For example, the circulation line branches off from the collecting container and leads back into the collecting container. A circulation pump can be located in the circulation line. The circulation line not only has the effect of conducting the washing liquor past the sensor, but can also ensure thorough mixing of the washing liquor.
The different positions for the sensor are to be considered as alternatives, but also in combination with one another, since it is possible to use not just one sensor, but rather also a plurality of the sensors at different positions.
As described, the kitchen and/or gastronomic appliance is configured, in particular by means of the controller, to actuate the pumping depending on the control variable. In particular, the at least one supply line pump is actuated depending on the control variable. Preferably, the kitchen and/or gastronomic appliance, in particular the controller, is configured to switch the supply line pump (in particular first supply line pump and/or second supply line pump, or common supply line pump) on and off and/or to change its speed and/or to change its discharge rate, depending on the control variable.
If the desired control variable has not yet been reached, for example, the corresponding supply line pump can be switched on. In order to correspondingly dissolve more additive, the speed of the supply line pump can be increased and/or the discharge rate can be increased. If observation of the control variable reveals, for example, that only a small amount of additive in the washing liquor is missing, the speed and/or delivery rate of the corresponding supply line pump can be reduced.
As will be described in detail with reference to the container, it is provided that at least one indicator element is embedded in the solid additive, inside the container. Said indicator element consists of an indicator substance. The indicator substance deviates from the additive, but can also be dissolved by the fluid. The kitchen and/or gastronomic appliance is preferably configured to detect an indicator variable in the fluid, which variable depends on a concentration of the indicator substance.
The indicator variable can in principle be the above-defined control variable, i.e. for example the conductivity of the fluid. The detection of the indicator variable can also take place by means of the sensor already described. For example, it is in particular provided that the indicator substance changes the conductivity in the fluid more significantly or less significantly than the additive. As a result, there is a significant change in the detected indicator variable, at the sensor as soon as the indicator substance is dissolved.
Alternatively, an additional sensor can also be used, which is specially configured for identifying the indicator variable.
The use of the indicator element comprising indicator substance in the container makes it possible, for example, to detect how much of the additive has already been dissolved out of the container. For example, if the indicator element is located in the center of the container, it is possible to detect when approximately half the additive has been used. If an indicator element is located close to the base of the container, then it is possible to detect, for example, that the additive is approximately or completely used up.
The kitchen and/or gastronomic appliance preferably comprises a protection assembly for the described sensor; in particular for protecting the sensor against contamination.
The protection assembly preferably comprises a flow element, which narrows the cross-section, upstream of the sensor, preferably directly in front of the sensor. Said flow element is configured to increase the flow rate of the fluid upstream of the sensor. As a result, any impurities on the sensor or on a possible sieve can be flushed away. The flow element is for example a cross-sectional narrowing in a line, in particular in a pipe or a tube. Particularly preferably, said flow element that narrows the cross-section is inserted in the described circulation line, wherein the sensor is then located in the circulation line.
In addition, or alternatively, for cleaning the sensor, the protection assembly provides that the kitchen and/or gastronomic appliance (in particular the controller) is configured to actuate, in a pulsating manner, a pump that conveys the fluid past the sensor, for cleaning the sensor. Said pump can be the circulation pump, the first supply line pump, the second supply line pump, the common supply line pump, or the washing liquor pump. The sensor is then arranged correspondingly in a line before or after the pump, such that any impurities detach from the sensor in the case of pulsating operation of the pump.
In addition, or alternatively to the described measures, the protection assembly for the sensor can also comprise a sieve. The sieve can be arranged upstream of the sensor, in the flow direction. However, the sieve can also be located on the sensor, and thus cover the sensor. Within the context of the invention, a sieve is in particular understood to mean everything that comprises a plurality of openings and as a result can prevent at least some dirt particles from penetrating as far as the sensor; however, the sieve is permeable for the fluid, such that the fluid can wash around the sensor.
According to a preferred embodiment, the sieve is located in the collecting container. In this case, the sensor can also be located in the collecting container and be covered by the sieve. However, it is also possible for the sieve to protect the inflow into a line leading to the sensor. At least one line, which is directed towards the sieve, in order to backflush the sieve, opens into the collecting container. This line can be a fresh water supply line, or the return line from the food chamber, or the discharge line of the solids unit.
Furthermore, it is provided that the sieve separates the sensor from a flow channel of the fluid. Said flow channel is in particular formed by a line. In this case, the sensor does not protrude into the flow of the fluid, but rather is located to the side of the flow channel. The fluid can flow through the sieve to the sensor. However, any dirt particles are held back by the sieve, and in particular transported past the sieve by the fluid. Particularly preferably, the flow channel has a cross-sectional narrowing in the region of the sieve, and can generate a flow through the sieve, and thus to the sensor, by the Venturi effect.
Instead of positioning the sensor next to the flow channel, it is preferably provided that the sensor protrudes into the flow channel—i.e. the corresponding line—of the fluid, and in this case is surrounded by the sieve. In this case, it is particularly preferable for the sensor, together with the sieve, to be arranged for tangential incident flow. Said tangential incident flow describes the circumstance that the flow channel before the sensor is offset relative to the flow channel after the sensor. This results in a relatively strong flow on either side of the sieve, and thus corresponding backflushing of the sieve.
The sieve is preferably arranged such that it can be dismantled for cleaning and/or replacement. The sieve can preferably be dismantled without tools.
During the intentional dissolving of the additive, and/or after this process, excessive dissolving of the additive may occur, because air moisture can dissolve the additive. In particular if the additives used have hygroscopic properties, the moisture from the surroundings may cause this behavior. It may therefore be the case that the additive flows out of the container, and thus out of the receptacle, as a viscous mass. In the following, said unintentionally dissolved additive is referred to as “excess additive”.
The kitchen and/or gastronomic appliance preferably comprises a siphon in the discharge line. In this case, said siphon serves as a vapor barrier between the collecting container and the at least one receptacle. This prevents vapor from penetrating out of the hot washing liquor in the collecting container as far as the receptacle, and thus as far as the container comprising the additive. Specifically, such vapor could lead to unintentional dissolving of the solid additive. The unintentionally dissolved additive could flow back in the direction of the collecting container, as a viscous mass.
In the case of use of the common discharge line for both solids units, the siphon can be located in the common discharge line. However, it is also provided for one siphon, in each case, to be arranged in the first discharge line and in the second discharge line.
Furthermore, unintentional dissolving of the solid additive can be prevented in that the additive dries as quickly as possible, in the container, after the intended dissolving. For this purpose, preferably a fan and/or a ventilation opening and/or a chimney is/are provided, the airflow of which for drying the additive leads to the receptacle and thus to the container.
The fan can blow air to the receptacle or suction it from the receptacle, as a result of which drying of the additive can be achieved. A corresponding arrangement of the ventilation opening or of the chimney also makes it possible for an airflow to be produced which leads to the receptacle and is conducted away from the receptacle, via the ventilation opening, in particular in that an airflow results, on account of temperature differences inside the appliance and outside the appliance, which can be conducted past the receptacle, and thus past the additive, when the ventilation opening or the chimney is arranged in a corresponding manner.
It is preferably provided that the at least one solids unit comprises a collecting arrangement in the discharge line for collecting the excess additive. In particular, the first solids unit comprises such a collecting arrangement, and the second solids unit also comprises such a collecting arrangement The collecting arrangements for the two solids units can be configured differently, in particular because the different additives tend towards different behavior with respect to the excess additive.
The collecting arrangement preferably comprises an intermediate container for collecting the excess additive, wherein the discharge line leads into the intermediate container and leads out of the intermediate container, onwards in the direction of the collecting container. In this case, the intermediate container can directly adjoin the receptacle or can be connected to the receptacle via a corresponding line.
The intermediate container can comprise an overflow which leads to the collecting container. As a result, fluid can collect in the intermediate container, in order to dissolve the excess additive.
A base of the intermediate container can preferably rise obliquely towards the overflow, such that the excess additive does not collect directly at the overflow, but rather at the lowest point of the intermediate container.
Particularly preferably, the overflow is configured as a suction lifter. This functions according to the principle of the Pythagoras cup. The overflow configured as a suction lifter comprises a rising flow channel, which transitions, by means of a transition, into a falling flow channel. In this case, the intermediate container can be filled higher than the transition, for self-emptying. In particular, the controller is configured to fill the intermediate container higher than the transition, by actuating the at least one supply line pump. A water level in the intermediate container that is lower than the transition makes it possible for firstly the excess additive to be dissolved in part or completely. Thereupon, the water level can be increased until it rises above the transition, in particular by actuation of the supply line pump. This results in self-emptying by means of the suction lifter.
Furthermore, a flushing line is preferably provided, which leads to the intermediate container, bypassing the additive. The flushing line preferably branches off from the line, downstream of the at least one supply line pump. The amount of fluid that flows to the additive, and the amount of fluid that flows via the flushing line directly to the intermediate container, can be defined by a valve and/or by corresponding dimensioning of the lines. Said fluid in the flushing line can be used for dissolving the excess additive in the intermediate container.
The flushing line can lead into the intermediate container. Alternatively thereto, the flushing line can suction fluid out of the intermediate container by means of a Venturi nozzle. In the Venturi nozzle or immediately after the Venturi nozzle, the fluid of the flushing line mixes with the fluid suctioned out of the intermediate container. The flushing line then in particular does not lead into the intermediate container, but rather leads into the discharge line or directly into the collecting container, downstream of the intermediate container.
In a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the intermediate container is arranged at the height of the receptacle, such that a first fluid level in the intermediate container floods the receptacle and thus the container, for dissolving the additive, and a second fluid level, which is lower than the first fluid level and greater than zero, does not flood the receptacle or floods it only to a lesser extent. If the second fluid level in the intermediate container is maintained, the excess additive, which has flowed back into the intermediate container, can dissolve. In order to dissolve even more additive out of the container, the fluid level can be increased to the first fluid level. In this case, the container is flooded at least in part, and the additive in the container is dissolved.
Instead of or in addition to the described intermediate container, the collecting arrangement can comprise a line element, which is configured for collecting the excess additive.
Particularly preferably, said line element extends over a line element length of at least 5 cm, in particular at least 10 cm. In addition, or alternatively, the line element preferably has only a small downward gradient of at most 30°, preferably at most 20°, or is oriented horizontally, or even has a rising incline relative to the horizontal.
Furthermore, the line element can comprise at least one flow resistance element, preferably a plurality of flow resistance elements, on the base of the line element.
The flow resistance element is preferably inclined, in particular transversely, to the flow direction.
As a result of the corresponding length and/or the small downward gradient and/or as a result of the at least one flow resistance element, the excess additive collects in the line element and does not flow further to the collecting container.
Preferably, the at least one receptacle, in particular the first receptacle and the second receptacle, is/are arranged over the food chamber in the housing of the kitchen and/or gastronomic appliance.
The intermediate container and/or the line element are preferably located over the food chamber.
It is preferably provided that the supply line is configured to selectively conduct the fluid to the receptacle, and thus into the container for dissolving the additive, or into the collecting arrangement. In this case, it is also possible for one partial flow to be conducted to the receptacle and another partial flow to be conducted into the collecting arrangement. In the collecting arrangement, the fluid can be used for dissolving the excess additive.
It is in particular provided that the supply line is configured to selectively conduct the fluid to the receptacle or into the collecting arrangement, depending on the pressure in the supply line, i.e. in particular by actuating the supply line pump.
For this purpose, in particular an end piece of the supply line is provided, which is configured and positioned in such a way that, at a first pressure in the supply line, the fluid is conducted into the collecting arrangement, and at a second pressure which deviates from the first pressure and is preferably higher than the first pressure, the fluid can be conducted to the receptacle, for dissolving the additive. In particular, the end piece comprises a main opening, through which the fluid emerges in the case of the second pressure, and a secondary opening, through which the fluid emerges in the case of the first pressure.
Furthermore, it is preferably provided that a fresh water supply line leads into the collecting container. Said fresh water supply line preferably comprises an actuable valve. The valve is preferably actuable by the mentioned controller. Preferably, a flow sensor is located in the fresh water supply line, in order to determine the amount of fresh water that is fed in.
Furthermore, the kitchen and/or gastronomic appliance preferably comprises a flap. Said flap covers the at least one receptacle. Particularly preferably, a flap is provided which covers both receptacles, specifically the first receptacle and the second receptacle. The flap is actuable and can thus be opened and closed, in order to insert the at least one container into the receptacle, or to remove the empty container.
The kitchen and/or gastronomic appliance preferably comprises a flap sensor, which detects whether the flap is closed and/or open. The flap sensor is particularly preferably configured as a brightness sensor, and detects whether the flap is open (“bright”) or closed (“dark”). In an alternative embodiment, the flap sensor is implemented by means of an electromechanical switch (e.g. microswitch and the like).
Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the respective solids unit comprises a container sensor. The container sensor can be actuated by the plugged-in container. It is thus possible to determine, by means of the container sensor, whether the container is plugged into the receptacle.
The receptacle, in particular the first receptacle and the second receptacle, preferably comprises a container seal, which provides sealing with respect to the inserted container.
The invention further comprises the described container, filled with solid additive, in particular cleaner or descaler/rinse aid. The container is configured for insertion, in particular plugging, into the receptacle of the described kitchen and/or gastronomic appliance.
The invention preferably furthermore comprises a system composed of the described kitchen and/or gastronomic appliance in combination with the at least one described container. The advantageous embodiments, as are described in the context of the kitchen and/or gastronomic appliance, can be advantageously applied, in a corresponding manner, to the system.
It is preferably provided that the container comprises at least one indicator element having indicator substance at a defined position in the additive. The indicator element can be dissolved from the additive by the fluid. The indicator element preferably changes the conductivity more than the additive. The indicator element thus increases or reduces the conductivity of the fluid differently from the additive.
Preferably at least two indicator elements are arranged in the additive at different positions, in order to determine the use of additive in at least two stages.
According to a variant, the container is made of plastics material, in particular single-layered and rigid. Alternatively thereto, the container is manufactured from a flexible multilayer material, wherein the multilayer material comprises at least one first layer and one second layer, wherein the first layer is made of paper or card, and the second layer is made of plastics material or metal. The multilayer material can also be referred to as a composite material. In this case, a multilayer material can be used of the kind as is used in a similar manner in drink packaging (Tetra Pak).
The container preferably comprises a main body and a lid, wherein the lid closes an opening of the main body. At this opening of the main body, the additive is exposed.
It is preferably provided that the lid is connected to the main body of the container via a pull tab.
In addition, or alternatively, it is preferably provided that the lid is adhesively bonded or welded to the main body. Said adhesive bonding or welding is released when the lid is removed.
In addition, or alternatively, it is preferably provided that the lid can be removed from the main body without tools.
In addition, or alternatively, it is preferably provided that the lid can be removed from the main body without destruction, and thus can in particular be placed thereon again. As a result, the container can be removed and closed in the event of long operating breaks.
In addition, or alternatively, it is preferably provided that the container comprises a connecting portion which connects the removed lid to the main body. This ensures that the removed lid is not lost, and is still available, when the container is removed, for closing the container.
Further details, advantages and features of the present invention will emerge from the following description of an embodiment, with reference to the drawings, in which:
In the following, the configuration of a kitchen and/or gastronomic appliance 1 according to one embodiment will be explained in greater detail, with reference to the drawings. In this case, the drawings are purely schematic illustrations showing the kitchen and/or gastronomic appliance 1 and various optional embodiments. Unless explicitly mentioned otherwise, reference is always made to all the drawings.
A heating/circulating air unit 6, which can be operated via a control unit 5, is located in and/or on the food chamber 3. By means of the heating/circulating air unit 6 the food chamber 3, in particular configured as a cooking chamber, can be heated and optionally supplied with steam.
A collecting container 7 for the washing liquor is located inside the housing 2, under the food chamber 3. A washing liquor line 8 leads from said collecting container 7 to the food chamber 3. The washing liquor can be conducted out of the collecting container 7 into the food chamber 3, by means of a washing liquor pump 22. A return line 15 for guiding the washing liquor into the collecting container 7 is located at the lower end of the food chamber 3. This enables circulation of the washing liquor.
Two solids unit 9, specifically a first solids unit 9.1 and a second solids unit 9.2, are arranged in the housing 2. Unless a distinction is explicitly made between the two solids units, the embodiments of the kitchen and/or gastronomic appliance 1 described here always relate to both solids units, wherein they can be used selectively for one or for both of the solids units 9.
The first solids unit 9.1 comprises a first receptacle 10.1. The second solids unit 9.2 comprises a second receptacle 10.2. The receptacles 10 are in each case configured for insertion of a container 80. Solid additive 81, in the form of a cleaner or descaler/rinse aid, is located in the container 80.
As the schematic illustrations in
A flap sensor 14.1 is located in the region of the flap 14, which sensor can detect whether the flap 14 is open or closed.
Furthermore, the individual solids unit 9 in each case comprises a supply line 11, through which the fluid can be conducted out of the collecting container 7 as far as the receptacle 10. As will be explained in detail below, the supply line 11 can be formed by a first supply line 11.1, a second supply line 11.2, or optionally also by a common supply line 11.3.
A discharge line 12 leads from the respective receptacle 10 to the collecting container 7; as will be explained in detail, said discharge line is a first discharge line 12.1, a second discharge line 12.2, and optionally a common discharge line 12.3.
A supply line pump 13 pumps the fluid out of the collecting container 7 to the receptacle 10. In detail, a first supply line pump 13.1, a second supply line pump 13.2, or optionally a common supply line pump 13.3, can be used.
The schematic illustration in
Furthermore, it has been explained in the general part of the description that the kitchen and/or gastronomic appliance 1 preferably comprises a sensor 19, by means of which the control variable can be determined. Said control variable is in turn dependent on the concentration of additive.
The sensor 19 is in particular connected to a controller 23 of the kitchen and/or gastronomic appliance 1. Said controller 23 is illustrated purely schematically in
A first sensor position 19.1 is located in a circulation line 20, which branches off from the collecting container 7 and leads directly back into the collecting container 7. A circulation pump 21 can be located in said circulation line 20.
A second sensor position 19.2 is located in the washing liquor line 8.
A third sensor position 19.3 is located in the common supply line 11.3. Said common supply line 11.3 branches off either, according to
A fourth sensor position 19.4 is located in the collecting container 7 and detects the control variable directly in the washing liquor which is located in the collecting container 7.
A fifth sensor position 19.5 is located in the common discharge line 12.3. The first discharge line 12.1 and the second discharge line 12.2 lead into said common discharge line 12.3, which in turn leads to the collecting container 7. Alternatively, it is also possible to place one sensor 19 in each case in the first discharge line 12.1 and in the second discharge line 12.2.
A sixth sensor position 19.6 is located in the first supply line 11.1, in particular downstream of the associated first supply line pump 13.1.
A seventh sensor position 19.7 is located in the second supply line 11.2, in particular downstream of the associated second supply line pump 13.2. It is in particular provided to use two of the sensors 19, once at the sixth position 19.6 and once at the seventh position 19.7.
Alternatively hereto—according to
In particular,
The line shown according to
For this purpose, the collecting arrangement 52 can comprise an intermediate container 53, as is shown for example in
The base 55 of the intermediate container 53 can rise towards the overflow 57.
According to
Irrespective of the collecting line 56 and the Venturi nozzle 58,
Illustration 3 in
Irrespective of the use of the feed nozzle 64,
In particular, the line element 67 is located directly following the receptacle 10, and thus in particular over the food chamber 3.
It is furthermore preferably provided that the first receptacle 10.1 has a different inner contour than the second receptacle 10.2. This ensures that only the correct container 80 can also be inserted into the correct receptacle 10.
Furthermore,
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 102023100845.5 | Jan 2023 | DE | national |
